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WATCH: Six things to love (or learn) about Littlehampton

Published
at
7:38am 21st October 2018.
(Updated at 11:33am 22nd October 2018)

When you consider the efforts to pull-off the big bonfire celebrations year after year, it is undeniable that the seaside town has great spirit and character.

But what else gives Littlehampton its legendary status as a much-loved West Sussex resort

Here are some facts you may or may not know about Littlehampton and the reasons why we love it!

1. The Longest Bench

Littlehampton is home to Britain's longest bench.

The bench is a continuous structure stretching 324 metres along the majority of Littlehampton's east beach promenade and is constructed of tropical hardwood slats reclaimed from coastal groynes and landfill.

It was designed based on initial ideas by children from the Connaught Junior school and opened in mid-July 2010.

2. The historic miniature railway

The Littlehampton Miniature Railway runs for 800 yards from Norfolk Gardens site to Mewsbrook Park and is the oldest 12¼" (311mm) gauge railway in the UK.

It's run by volunteers and is open throughout the summer season. It also runs specials at Christmas time... and is always popular with kids and holidaymakers alike.

3. The Blue Peter lifeboat

In 1966 Blue Peter producers decided to aim an appeal at raising funds for the RNLI with a view to providing a lifeboat. The programme asked its viewers to send in paperback books. The response was so great the appeal raised enough money to buy four - one of which was was sent to Littlehampton.

The Blue Peter era at Littlehampton came to an end in 2016, after 49 years.

The original boat has been replaced three times, funded by subsequent Blue Peter appeals, each boat bearing the same name of Blue Peter 1.